Nation

PAS cleric under sedition probe

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Police have recorded a statement from PAS religious leader Shahul Hamid M.P.H. Seeni Md who was caught on video asking for a boyccott of “Hindu curry powder” and mocking “sexy” Hindu idols during a ceramah in Shah Alam several years ago.

Shahul Hamid, 39, was arrested at the Central Seberang Prai district police headquarters at 8.30am yesterday and later released on police bail after a statement was recorded.

It is learnt that the police are investigating the case under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948 which carries a maximum RM5,000 fine or up to five years’ imprisonment or both.

The case is also being investigated under Section 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities, an offence which carries a maximum RM50,000 fine or maximum one-year jail term or both.

“We will hand over the statement to our counterparts in Selangor for further action,” he said.

Shahul Hamid incurred the wrath of the Hindu community after videoclips of him insulting Hindus were uploaded onto YouTube. His damaging remarks touched on the Hindu celebration of Thaipusam, the Snake Temple in Penang and a claim that the Hindus were God-less.

The MIC Youth and several non-governmental organisations staged a protest in Brickfields on Wednesday, calling on the authorities to act against him.

Shahul Hamid apologised yesterday, especially to the Indian community.

“I realise that I too, as an Indian, and as someone who has origins in India, should not have insulted the beliefs of Hindus in front of everyone.

“I was only trying to attract the attention of my listeners at the event. However, my ceramah was recorded and uploaded without my knowledge and consent by other individuals,” he said in his second apology. He had apologised in a video after the outcry.

PAS national unity bureau chairman Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa stressed that the Shahul Hamid’s remarks were his personal opinion which did not represent the party’s views.

“The issue is a very sensitive one which can trigger disharmony. However, it should not be blown up or manipulated,” he said.

Dr Mujahid, who is also Penang PAS deputy commissioner, said Shahul Hamid was a party member in the Tanjung area in George Town.

Penang MIC chairman M. Karuppanan said the party hoped the Attorney-General would charge Shahul Hamid.

He said Shahul Hamid would have to face the consequences despite the apology.